Busquets Drops Bombshell on What's Next as Inter Miami Celebrates Departing Icon's Legacy
Inter Miami's midfield maestro Sergio Busquets was honored with a special ceremony and guard of honor after the Herons defeated New England Revolution 4-1 on Saturday evening, while also dropping clues about what lies ahead for him.
Following his announcement that he plans to step away from professional football at the conclusion of Miami's 2025 MLS Cup Playoff campaign, the organization arranged a special recognition event celebrating the Spanish icon's illustrious career, which includes championship victories across the globe, most notably the 2010 FIFA World Cup triumph.
After the victory, where his former FC Barcelona and current Miami colleague Lionel Messi contributed three assists and Jordi Alba netted twice, Busquets spoke to the supporters and was presented with a commemorative framed Miami jersey.
"I am speechless. A piece of me, of my soul, will forever remain here with all of you," he expressed to the Chase Stadium crowd. "I hope we can conclude this journey in the most magnificent way possible, which means making the playoffs and competing for the championship."
Sergio Busquets, the Manager?
Though the 37-year-old veteran still has two regular season matches and a minimum of two playoff contests remaining before retiring his cleats, he also suggested his interest in pursuing a coaching career, similar to current Herons manager and former Barcelona teammate Javier Mascherano.
"I believe in the future, absolutely [I'd like to coach], but right now I'd prefer to take some time off," Busquets explained, referencing the extensive hours and challenging demands required of a professional footballer.
"You desire to spend quality time with your family, personal time, time with them, watching my kids grow, being present with them, exploring new places, observing football from a fresh viewpoint. And later on, we'll determine what happens.
"In principle, yes, but let's concentrate on what's happening now, as there's still much ahead of us."
Busquets will conclude his playing days having represented just two organizations, accumulating 722 matches with FC Barcelona following his first-team debut in 2008. He moved to Inter Miami in 2023 where he has now featured in 107 games across all competitions, contributing to the club's 2023 Leagues Cup victory and 2024 Supporters' Shield triumph.
"I prefer to conclude things properly in places, to complete positive chapters on my own terms. I believe that's exactly what happened. I could continue playing, certainly, I feel strong, I participate in numerous matches throughout the season, but I'm not 20 anymore, I attempt to contribute to the squad," Busquets reflected.
"However, I believe it was the correct choice [to retire], not only physically, but emotionally as well. There are numerous additional factors involved in that decision, and I'm extremely satisfied, as I mentioned in the video, with the choice, with the path, with having lived a fantasy I've harbored since childhood in the locations where I could select and where I went, like at Barcelona and here where I made that choice."
Miami concluded Saturday evening positioned third in the Eastern Conference with 59 points, and will complete the regular season facing Atlanta United and Nashville SC, before starting the MLS Cup Playoffs on Oct. 24.